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Helping The "Other" America
The floodwaters of Katrina have exposed the "other" America, the millions of Americans who do not have the resources to get out of their neighborhoods, no matter how dangerous the conditions. The issues of race and poverty that have riveted the nation existed long before Katrina struck New Orleans and are still holding millions of people hostage in impoverished communities across the nation and in our own backyards. The Census Bureau's annual economic report, released in the midst of the Gulf disaster, found that an additional 4.1 million Americans had slipped into poverty between 2001 and 2004.
Katrina is a wake up call to us all. As we speed down expressways to ball games and concerts we bypass neighborhoods in crisis. There may not be people standing on their rooftops waving flags and screaming to be rescued, but they are there, in abandoned buildings and burned out cars, struggling to survive amidst the swirling waters of despair.
Restoring lives and rebuilding communities is what we do at Breakthrough. Our systems are in place. We have strong leadership, solid plans, and proven methods. We need you to help provide the resources.
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| Volunteers painted a mural of Mrs. Nettie Bailey in the courtyard at Breakthrough's Joshua Center. |
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| On Saturday, August 27, Breakthrough hosted a celebration honoring Mrs. Nettie Bailey, a long-time resident of East Garfield Park. Our After-school program is now named the Nettie Bailey Student Achievement Program in her honor. Thanks to the planning committee volunteers, Robbie and Lameria Foster, Cortez Hixson, Dave Brecheisen, Kevin Gwin, Steve Nelson, Cliff Bailey and Debbie Williams. Special thanks to Steve Nelson, who filmed and produced a tribute video for the event, and to Bob Lourdel and the senior high school youth at Harvest Bible Chapel Crystal Lake, who painted a mural of Mrs. Bailey in the courtyard. For a copy of the video, contact Marketing Coordinator, Tawnya Patterson at tpatterson@breakthroughministries.com. For more information on volunteer opportunities with the Nettie Bailey Student Achievement program, contact Academic Coordinator, Andrea Kirksey, at akirksey@breakthroughministries.com.
Thank you to volunteers from Park Community Church for building office space at our Joshua Center for administrative staff. Volunteers hung drywall, laid carpet, assembled cubicles, framed doors, and painted walls.
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| Volunteers from Park Community Church worked diligently during the summer to clear out debris. |
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Volunteers from Park Community Church worked diligently during the summer to clear out debris.
What's Going On At Breakthrough?
At the end of August, Breakthrough's administrative staff relocated to the Joshua Center. Our Men's Services program, including the BEST (Breakthrough Employment Training & Services) Program, will remain on Chicago's north side in Edgewater until renovations are completed on the Breakthrough Ministry Center in East Garfield Park.
Demolition continues on the Ministry Center at 402 N. St. Louis Ave, thanks in large part to volunteers. Currently, we are waiting for building permits to come through before new construction can begin.
Find out more! Don't' miss our Annual Benefit THIS Friday, October 7! Executive Director, Arloa Sutter, will share exciting news about the progress being made at the Breakthrough Ministry Center and our campus in East Garfield Park.
CLICK HERE NOW to RSVP. Today is your LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
Please note the new mailing address for our administrative offices: P.O. Box 47200, Chicago, IL 60647.
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| Paul and Kirsten Konrad live in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood and attend Park Community Church. |
How did you first hear about Breakthrough?
Our friend, and former Breakthrough board member, Jack Kim, invited us to attend the Annual Benefit about five years ago.
In what capacity do you volunteer?
We serve on the Annual Benefit committee, helping to plan the Benefit and hosting the kickoff reception.
Why do you feel compelled to volunteer in this way?
We see so clearly the way Christ is at work at Breakthrough, changing the lives of the guests...and volunteers as well.
How has your experience with Breakthrough impacted you?
It's become apparent to us that Christ is the key to true change in one's life. When you simply give people meals and let them go, it won't feed their souls. We are inspired, and our faith is deepened, by seeing the miracles that happen so often in this ministry.
Why do you think people should attend (and invite others to) the Annual Benefit?
People often walk in the doors of the Benefit thinking they're going to help someone else by making a donation. In reality, people often walk out feeling like they've received more than they've given. You're inspired to give of your time and to give of yourself. You learn so much about grace and the way God has called us to live our lives.
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Copyright © 2006 Breakthrough Urban Ministries
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